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Ovarian Cancer Biology and Facts

Dr. Heidi Gray describes ovarian cancer biology and facts. Ovarian cancer is the 2nd most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, affecting 22,000 - 25,000 women annually. It is less common than other forms of cancer such as breast cancer, but is difficult to treat as it is often diagnosed at a later stage where it has spread outside the ovary. There are not a lot of known risk factors, but approximately 15-20% of ovarian cancer cases are caused by a genetic mutation passed down in families. All women diagnosed with ovarian cancer should undergo genetic counseling and testing for the two most common genetic mutations, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

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Ovarian Cancer Treatment with Dr. Barbara Goff

In 2011, nearly 22,000 cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed. Dr. Barbara Goff talks about the impact of the disease on women and how their lives are being extended with longer symptom-free periods. She tells about the effectiveness of aggressive surgery and aggressive chemotherapy against the disease today.

Ovarian Cancer Biology and Facts

Dr. Heidi Gray describes ovarian cancer biology and facts. Ovarian cancer is the 2nd most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, affecting 22,000 - 25,000 women annually. It is less common than other forms of cancer such as breast cancer, but is difficult to treat as it is often diagnosed at a later stage where it has spread outside the ovary. There are not a lot of known risk factors, but approximately 15-20% of ovarian cancer cases are caused by a genetic mutation passed down in families. All women diagnosed with ovarian cancer should undergo genetic counseling and testing for the two most common genetic mutations, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

Dr. Heidi Gray describes ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors. Ovarian cancer is the 2nd most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. Unfortunately the symptoms are nonspecific, such as bloating, mild abdominal pain, or changes with bladder, which are often attributed to other factors before discovering they may have ovarian cancer. As a result most ovarian cancers are diagnosed at a later stage. There is also not a successful screening strategy as few risk factors are known. The most common risk factor is genetics, which causes only 15-20% of ovarian cancer cases. All women diagnosed with ovarian cancer should undergo genetic counseling and testing for known genetic mutations, as they can have a higher risk for other disease such as breast cancer, and to alter family members to be screened.

Ovarian Cancer Survivor Jane Van Voorst

Jan Van Voorst was on vacation when she felt like something wasn't right. What was initially thought to be irritable bowel syndrome, was eventually diagnosed as late stage ovarian cancer. Jan traveled from Bellingham, Washington to Seattle to meet with Dr. Barbara Goff at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Jan describes the experience which saved her life. Her prognosis is excellent more than 5 years after the treatment. Hear her inspiring story.